Aquatic Cleanup and Restoration
Partnerships are helping us accomplish more of our goals for cleanup and protection of the 2.6 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands across Washington. It’s a big job. DNR is steward of these (mostly submerged) aquatic lands, managed for all people of the state to achieve a balance of public benefits that include encouraging public use, commerce, water-dependent uses, ensuring environmental protection, using renewable resources such as shellfish, and generating revenue when it is consistent with these other benefits.
DNR is encouraged that revitalizing the health of Puget Sound and other aquatic lands has become a high priority for the Governor and the people of the state. With the creation of Puget Sound Partnership, the new state agency, we have a focused partnership that—with additional funding, local community involvement and volunteers—is giving a big boost to what is recognized as a long process.
DNR's Aquatics Restoration Program
DNR's Aquatic Restoration Program was established to restore, enhance, create and protect healthy aquatic habitat conditions in freshwater, saltwater and estuary systems. Work is done through partnerships with other agencies and organizations. DNR staff carry out on-the ground restoration projects and offer various levels of support to others working on restoration projects that take place on or adjacent to state-owned aquatic lands.
Creosote Removal Projects
It began in 2003 with removal of hundreds of tons of creosote logs and chemically treated materials from beaches in the Straits of Juan de Fuca. A major step is the cleanup and restoration of Puget Sound and such areas as Bellingham Bay and Port Angeles by removing creosote-laden pilings and docks. This sets the stage for restoration along the shores and estuaries of both private and state-owned aquatic lands.
Links to news releases:
Removal of Derelict Vessels
Our Derelict Vessel Removal Program is the first with a comprehensive mechanism for addressing the problem of derelict or abandoned vessels in the state’s waters. DNR maintains an inventory of derelict and abandoned vessels statewide, and provides funding and guidance to assist authorized public agencies in the removal and disposal of vessels across the state. DNR also is conducts removals.
Other Cleanup Efforts
DNR divers are leaders in efforts to clean up derelict fishing nets or other gear that is floating in the state’s marine waters.
News Release R05-075 Navy Divers Train to Remove Hazardous Abandoned Fishing Gear